Support for Memory Makers Project

A Dorset project to benefit people living with dementia patients through music has been handed £1,000 from a regional builder.

The innovative Press Play To Rewind programme created by Musica Music and Wellbeing, based in Shillingstone, uses personalised playlists and meaningful music as part of a dementia care package for patients and was awarded the funds by Persimmon Homes South West.

Rosanna Mead from Musica explained: “This year we launched our programme Press Play to Rewind which aims to provide training and support packages for healthcare professionals and carers in the community to use meaningful music and personalised playlists as part of their dementia care. We want to see meaningful music embedded into dementia care plans across Dorset by 2020.

“We are inspired by the current research in dementia care which shows that familiar music can be incredibly powerful for people living with Dementia- it can help to improve communication, social interaction, quality of life, and reduce agitation, apathy, anxiety and depression. This isn’t magic, it’s science!”

The donation to the music programme comes as part of Persimmon Homes’ hugely successful Community Champions campaign.

Each month the Exeter- based builder donates up to £2,000 to community groups across the south west.

This also happens across Persimmon’s other 29 operating areas, meaning up to £60,000 is dished out every single month – a total of £720,000 a year, and more than £2million since the scheme started back in 2015.

Nina Hester, sales director at Persimmon Homes South West, said: “We’re delighted to be able to help fund this innovative project.

“As a company we have enjoyed huge success over the last few years, and it’s great to be able to give something back to the communities in which we are working.

“Our Community Champions campaign is still running and we’d welcome more applications via our website, www.persimmonhomes.com/charity”